Don't Be a Bully!

Fri, 04 Oct 2013 14:39:06

Imagine Better, Inc. has kicked off an anti-bullying campaign titled "Don't Be a Monster" in order to educate middle school and high school students on the dangers of bullying. "Don't Be a Monster" has partnered with major haunted houses across the country, leveraging exposure they receive during October, which is recognized National Anti-Bullying Month, to raise awareness about the campaign.

"Don't Be a Monster" began with a pilot program in San Antonio during the 2012 Halloween season, with the 13th Floor Haunted House San Antonio as its founding member. The 2012 campaign visited eight local schools, exposing the anti-bullying message to over 5,000 students.

In addition, it raised money for City Year San Antonio, a non-profit organization whose mission is to mentor students towards high school graduation. The pilot program's success encouraged Imagine Better, Inc. co-founders, Chris Stafford and Jon Love, to form an organization singularly focused on combating bullying, raising money for non-profits, and the expansion of the "Don't be a Monster" campaign. They formed Imagine Better, Inc., submitted a request for charitable status, and began working on expanding the anti-bullying program nationally.

Since then they have committed resources from the 13th Floor in San Antonio, Phoenix, and Denver and House of Torment in Austin and have recruited Netherworld Haunted House in Atlanta, Headless Horseman Haunted Hayride in New York, and Erebus Haunted House in Detroit to support the campaign in their respective markets.

During the 2013 Halloween season (September 2013 – October 2013), the anti-bullying campaign will spread the message of tolerance in middle schools and high schools across the U.S. The program kicked off in San Antonio on September 17.

The students that are reached will be informed, empowered, and entertained in a meaningful way.

In addition to the program's anti-bullying information, Imagine Better, Inc. has tapped into its haunted house roots, and created a character to represent and entertain students. Named Frank Shelley, the character is inspired by the iconic Frankenstein, and will feature prominently in the campaign. A six-minute short film promoting "Don't Be a Monster" and Frank was shot in Austin in July 2013 and will be revealed at the conclusion of each presentation. Additionally, Frank will make guest appearances at all schools.